‘American Idol’: A Strange Performance Show

It was a strange “American Idol” performance show, which began with a vague announcement by Ryan that one contestant was sent home last night, disqualified from the show.

And then the show went on, with no names named, and a heavy mood looming. Earlier in the day, rumors were flying on Twitter (and it was reported on TMZ yesterday), that it was the 6’8” Jermaine Jones who had been given the boot.

So eleven, not twelve contestants sang a song from the year in which they were born.

Phillip, en route to the hospital to have kidney stones removed, did a rehearsal in pain in front of Jimmy Iovine and guest mentor will.i.am. Both were marveled by how well he sang “Hard to Handle” And the judges loved it too.

Both Jimmy and will.i.am were impressed with Jessica’s “Turn the Beat Around” – will.i.am called her a “swaggernaut.” But after her live showing, Steven told her her rhythm was “a little shady” and said, “I love those pants.” JLo loved the pants too and thought it wasn’t Jessica’s best showing, but that she did a good job. Randy didn’t like her song choice and said that since she was one of the best in the competition, they needed to give her constructive criticism. Jessica said the year she was born, 1995, left few good song choices.

Heejun born in 1989, sang “Right Here Waiting.” When he rehearsed with Jimmy and will.i.am he asked for Fergie’s phone number and will.i.am’s autograph. He only landed one of the two. But his singing wasn’t as strong as his humor tonight. “It was pitchy all over the place,” said Randy and “it felt like you were out of breathe the whole time. It was the wrong kind of song for you.”

After a save last week by the judges, Elise, born in 1983, sang a rocking, raspy version of Al Green’s “I’m So In Love With You,” a song recently performed by President Obama. They were both pretty great. “I love your voice,” said Steven. “That will show America who Elise is,” said JLo and went on to say, “that was a beautiful, beautiful thing.” Randy raved about her showing as well.

It was 1994’s “Endless Love” for Deandre. “Here’s the thing…I think Jimmy and will steered you wrong. I don’t feel it was the right song for you,” said JLo. Steven agreed as did Randy, who also said, “it paled in comparison….that was way too boring….we could tell you didn’t feel that song.” Deandre admitted they went through a lot of songs before settling on this one.

“One Sweet Day” was a struggle for the 1995 born Shannon. Jimmy was concerned and will.i.am told her to lie down and sing it to get the breathing down. The advice seemed to work. JLo told her she did a great job with it. Steven thought she did better because she didn’t try so hard. Randy, like JLo, was terrified when he heard she was going to try to take on a Mariah Carey song, but Randy loved the run she nailed at the end. They were all impressed by her fearlessness.

“Broken Heart” from 1991 was Colton’s pick. Jimmy and will.i.am suggested Colton make it a hard-rock song and that if he did, he’d nail it and would be staying for a while. Nail it he did. JLo said the song made her feel like “Colton’s a lover.” Steven disagreed, “I thought it was the wrong song for your voice and your passion.” Randy said, “The song didn’t matter. You performed it and you were dope.”

Erika sang Brian Adams’ “Heaven” and with the help of Jimmy and will.i.am made it a really rocking version. But will.i.am warned that if she didn’t nail it, she might be going home. Steven, harsher tonight than he’s ever been, felt the song was too busy. JLo feels Erika is the year’s Janice Joplin, but said the song left us “wanting more.” She also said she loves the look and that Erika is coming together. Randy said, “I kind of liked it. For me, it was an 8 out of 10.”

Then there was a break from singing as Ryan took the time to explain that it was in fact Jermaine who was going home, no wildcard to save him this week. They rolled a video with the show’s producers asking him why he didn’t reveal this information earlier.

“I just was scared and nervous and didn’t want to get judged and penalized for anything in the past,” said Jermaine when asked why he didn’t reveal the information ahead of time.

“We’re not allowed to have anybody that has an outstanding warrant on the program,” said Nigel Lythgoe. “And you have four.”

It wasn’t clear exactly what he had done, but in two instances Jermaine gave the police a false name. In one incident, he was accused of fighting, but said he had just fallen down the stairs.

Before Skylar said of the judges heavier-than-usual criticism, “Ya’ll are being mean.” Born in 1994, Skylar stuck with her song choice, “Love Sneakin’ Up on You,’ instead of being swayed by the mentors. Steven said, “You got so much heart and soul.” JLo said, “You really killed that.” Randy said, “Didn’t matter about the song, you did it well, you rocked it.”

After a lesson with Ryan on how to eat crawfish, Joshua sang Michael Bolton’s version of “When A Man Love’s A Woman.” During rehearsal will.i.am said, “You took me to church.” Jimmy said, “Joshua came a long way this week.” Before he even finished belting it out live, the judges and the audience were standing and clapping. Randy, Steven and JLo were floored. Randy said they’d been waiting all night for someone to blow it out of the box. JLo said, “The best thing we’ve ever seen on American Idol.” Randy attributed the performance to the crawfish he and Randy brought back from New Orleans. Steven said he saw God through Joshua’s eyes. Joshua looked moved by the accolades.

But he wasn’t the only powerhouse of the night. Hollie pulled some Celine out of her tiny hat and while there was no standing ovation by the judges, they were wowed. JLo said between Hollie and Joshua, they really saved the best for last. Steven thought the performance was beautiful. Randy said, “You were definitely in your wheelhouse…this song, you blew it out of the box. Another moment with Hollie.”

Before the show ended, Ryan asked the judges who was safe and who might be in trouble. They all agreed Joshua was safe. Randy said Heejun was at risk, while the others wouldn’t say a name at risk.

Ryan said there would be exciting Jennifer Lopez news, along with results, tomorrow night.

Do you think they’ll eliminate someone tomorrow night or will Jermaine’s departure count as the elimination for the week?